Pathways for Academic Career and Employment PACE Program: Fiscal Year 2014 Report

Community colleges across Iowa are working with business and industry through sector boards to develop training programs for jobs that have applicant shortages. The state Pathways for Academic Career and Employment (PACE) program enables community colleges to offer in-demand training, making education affordable for low income or unemployed individuals. Community colleges offer short-term training and advanced degree programs for middle-skill careers. The training options offered are dictated by area business and industry. The program is designed to meet the needs of each individual student. It allows individuals the ability to seek training based on their developmental needs, career goals and personal situation. The program offers on ramps to education and off ramps to employment for flexibility with life circumstances. Funding covers the cost of barriers, like child care, personal finance and transportation to prevent students from dropping out. PACE includes the employment of a navigator, who offers guidance and support to keep individuals on their educational pathway. The Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges prepared this report per the requirements in Iowa Code, Section 260H, for the statewide Pathways to Academic Career and Employment Program. This report was coordinated by the department with the assistance of Iowa's 15 community colleges. The figures noted in this report were obtained from each of Iowa's 15 community colleges.